Marking devices



May 13, 1958 l. s. GoTTscHo ETAL MARKING DEVICES Filed May 21. 1953 5'Sh66bS-Sheet 1 I /14 4 562 zz y '.,Az' A A, /Z l Q '[20 /:e: z

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A gz @1M f im im Eff-'1 IN V EN TOR. /n/LS' 5on5 ma, Mu caw/71 @sc/ey BY @No A/voxsw Jusssl, JR.

Zwam

ATTORNEY May 13, 1958 l. s. GoTTscHo ET AL 2,834,285

MARKING DEVICES 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 21, 1953 l. s. GoTTscHo :s1-Al. 2,834,285

May 13, 1958 MARKING DEVICES 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 21, 1953 May 13, 1958 l. s. GoT'rscHo ET Al. 2,834,285

MARKING DEVICES Filed May 2l, 1953 f 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR. YH Gar/'soda /VucaL/v f//R scnsv May 13, 1958 l. s. GoTTscHo ETAL 2,834,285

MARKING DEVICES Filed May 21, 195:5 5 sheets-sheet 5 v 40g INVENToR.

ha S arrxcf/a, #www Maru/5y -BY f7 HMoRsw likes, ifa www A7' OR/VEK United Sitates Patent MARKnsG DEVICES Ira S. Gottscho, Milburn, N. J., Malcolm Hirschey, Woodside, N. Y., and Andrew J. Alessi, Jr., Colonia, N. J., assignors to Adolph Gottscho, Inc., Hillside, N. l., a corporation of New York Application May 21, 1953, Serial No. 356,374

Claims. (Cl. 101-35) The present invention relates generally to marking devices and is particularly directed to marking devices for marking the rear surface and a side surface of each or a succession of rectangular cartons, containers or articles and the like as they are conveyed along a straight path.

Heretofore, when markings were required on either the front or rear ends, as well as on the sides, of rectangular cartons and the like, it was the general practice to move the cartons along a lirst conveyor path with the sides of the cartons disposed parallel to the rst conveyor path while applying markings to the sides of the successive cartons, and then to transfer the marked cartons to a second conveyor, extending at right angles to the rst conveyor path and lalong which the cartons were moved with the front and back ends of the cartons extending parallel to the second conveyor path, so that the front and `back ends, or either of them, can be marked during the movement of the successive cartons along the second conveyor path. It is apparent that the procedure set forth yabove requires separate marking devices for applying markings to the sides and to the front and back ends, or either of the latter, of the successive cartons, and that two conveyors are necessary for disposing the cartons and the like in the correct relationship to the marking devices `during the marking of the sides and of the front and back ends of the cartons. Thus, the previous elorts to apply markings to the sides and the front and back ends of cartons moving along a conveyor have required complex and costly equipment, and the need to transfer the cartons from a first conveyor to a second conveyor, rat right angles to the rst, gives rise to difliculties in obtaining the accurate registration of the markings on the successive cartons.

The desirability of applying markings, for example, code markings, or other descriptive indications, identifying the contents of the cartons and the like, to at least two right angularly related surfaces of a rectangular carton has been widely recognized, in that the contents of the cartons can be ascertained when the cartons are stacked on a shelf or other storage area with any one i of the marked surfaces facing toward the front.

ln a co-pending application, Ser. No. 356,375, filed May 2l, 1953, now Patent No. 2,775,192, issued December 25, 1956, a marking device has been disclosed which operates to mark the front and side surfaces of a succession of rectangular cartons and the like las such cartons are moved along a straight conveyor path.

Accordingly, it is a general object of the present invention to provide a marking device which operates to mark the side and rear surfaces of a succession of rectangular cartons and the like as such cartons are conveyed along a straight path, thereby avoiding the dual marking devices and conveyors required for marking of such surfaces in the practices heretofore employed.

Another object is to provide a marking device of the descri-bed character wherein a side surface and the back or rear Surface of each of a scccssion of rectangular cartons and the like are marked one after the other by marking means which eects rolling contact with the side surface and then with the rear surface of the carton being marked.

Another object is to provide a marking device of the described character wherein a single, rotatable marking wheel or roller is employed for marking both the side and rear surfaces of the successive cartons on the convcyor.

A specific object of the present invention is to provide a device of the described character wherein the actuation thereof is derived directly from the cartons and the like on.' the conveyor so that all mechanism for positively driving the marking device is eliminated.

Another specific object is to provide a marking device of the described character which is adapted to be driven directly and simply from the conveyor carrying the cartons to be marked.

Another object is to provide a mark-ing device of the described character and having means for controlling the locations on the side surfaces of the successive cartons at which the marking will commence.

A further object is to provide a marking device of the described character having a rotatable marking wheel and improved mechanism associated with the latter for positively repositioning the marking Wheel after completion of the marking of a carton so that the marking Wheel is then properly disposed for the commencement of the marking of the carton next in line on the conveyor.

A still further object is to provide a marking device of the described character which applies an inked impression to the side and rear surfaces of the successive cartons and the like; and wherein the supply lof ink to the marking element is interrupted when the marking device is inoperative to avoid the spilling of ink during periods of rest.

A still further specific object of the invention is to provide a marking device of the described character which is adapted to mark cartons and the like having different dimensions, and wherein the vertical locations of the markings on the side and rear surfaces of the successive cartons can be conveniently adjusted.

rPhe foregoing, and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention are achieved by providing a swingable support arm pivotally mounted at one end on a vertical pivot Which/,is supported at one side of a conveyor path and is adju/stable vertically and transversely relative to the conveyor path. The support arm is yieldably urged to swing in the direction toward the conveyor path and at its free end carries a rotatable marking unit frame. The marking unit frame has a marking wheel rotatably mounted thereon at a location parallel to and spaced from the vertical axis of rotation of the frame, and the latter is shaped so that only a portion of the periphery of the marking wheel extends beyond the periphery of the frame. As the marking unit frame is rotated, either by frictional contact of a portion thereof with the carton to be marked or by a positive drive from the conveyor carrying the carton, the marking Wheel first comes into rolling and marking contact with the adjacent side surface of the carton and then rolls around the rear corner of that side surface to continue the marking of the rear surface of the carton. Carton actuated means are provided for regulating or determining the location along the side surface of the carton at which marking contact of the marking wheel with the side surface will commence. A return mechanism is associated with the marking Wheel and acts to rotationally reposition the latter, after disengagement from a marked carton, for marking contact with the carton next in line on the associated conveyor. The marking wheel carries suitable marking elements on the periphery thereof and inking mechanism is provided for supplying ink to the marking elements. The inking mechanism includes an ink supplying arrangement which responds to. the rotation of the marking wheel and acts to interrupt the. supplying of ink when the marking wheel is rotationally at rest.

In order. that tbe present invention may be clearly understood, illustrative embodiments thereof are hereinafter described in detail and shown in the accompanying drawings` forming a part hereof and wherein:

Fig. l is a top plan view of a marking device embodying. the present invention for marking the side and rear surfaces of a succession of rectangular cartons and the like moving along a straight conveyor path andv withy the markingdevice shown at. the completion of the marking of the rear surface. of a carton and arranged for the commencement of the marking. ofY a carton next in lineon the associated: conveyor;

Fig. 2 is a topplan view similar to Fig. 1J but showing the marking device at a phase in. its operating cycle soon aftena carton orthe like has been conveyed to a position adjacent the marking device, with the broken. lines indicating. themanner. in which. the marking device is adjustable to mark cartons and: the like of different dimensions andiwith. a portion of thedevice being broken away and-in sectionl to disclose. certain details of construction thereof;

Fig. 3.is` a longitudinal sectional view taken along the line.3- 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4. is a topy plan View similar to. Fig. 2, but showing the` marking device. at a later phase in its operating cycle and: immediately before the. commencement of markingl contact with the side surface of a carton;

Fig. 5 is a top planview similar to Fig. 4, but showing themarking, device atthecommencement of marking contactfwiththe sidesurface of a carton;

Fig. 6 is a sectional View, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line. 6.--6.of Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is a. horizontal. sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken along the line 7 7 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8: is a topplan view of a. portion of a marking device constructed in accordance with another embodiment,l olithev inventionand shown. in a phase of its operation immediately before the` commencement of markingcontact witha side surface of a carton or the like;

Fig. 9 is a schematic topplan view of a drivetmechanism for effecting positive actuationof a marking device emblodyingthe. present invention from an associated conveyor;

Fig. l0 is afragmentary side elevational view, partly brokenaway and in. section, of-a marking device embodying-.the present invention and modiedto be driven by the arrangement of Fig. 9;

Fig. l1 is a top plan View of the modifiedtmarking device of Fig. 10, shown in full lines at the conclusion of themarking oftherear-surface of a cartonand inbroken lines-immediately. before the commencement of marking contact with the sidesurface of. a carton moving past thc marking device; and.

Fig. l2 isa fragmentary sectionalrview showing details of the structure illustratedin Fig. 6.

Referring tothe drawingsin. detail, and initially to Figs.` lf to 7; inclusive, thereof, a marking device embodyimg .the present'invention is there illustrated and generally identified by the reference numeral 10. 'Ille .marking device-,.10 is,constructed and arranged to mai-ka side surface audfthe trailingend surfaceof each of the successiverectangular articles A as the latter are moved-in spaced;apart relationship along a. rectilinear path past the marking device. in the direction. indicated .by they arrows-12. Suchmovement ofthearticles A. canbeprodncedby any suitable conveyor (not shown), and,` in the vicinitypfthemarking device, a guide rail 14.isprovided algngsidelthe conveyor path to slidably engagea side surjage o f each article asit moves pastthe device lkand:

thereby to prevent lateral movement of the. article in the direction away from the marking device.

The marking device 10 includes a vertical support post 16 (Fig. 3) which is mounted at either of its ends in a suitable base 18 secured adjacent the path of travel of the articles at the side remote from the guide rail 14. In

vFig. 3, the base 18. is shown in solid lines at the lower end of the post 16, and in broken lines at the top end of the post, as indicated at 18. Thus, the post 1li-.can be supported on structure (not shown) below the conveyor path or from overhead framework (not shown).

An adjustable arm 20 is formed with a semi-cylindrical sleeve portion 22 atoneend which cooperates with a separate semi-cylindrical sleeve 24 bolted thereto to define a split clamp embracing the post 116 and securing the arm 2G in any desired angularly and vertically adjusted position on the vertical support post. The arm 20, at its end remote from the sleeve portion: 22', is. formed with: avertically` bored boss. 2.6, which receives the upper reduced; diameter portionA of a vertical. pivot pin orbolt 28, (Fig. 3). The upper end. ofI the bolt 28; is. tbreadedf. and` re.- CeiVeS a. mit. V for. securing the. pivot bolt to the. arm 2.0;.

A swingabler support arm 32: extends from the pivot bolt 2,8;.generallyin1the direction ofmovementi ofithei arti.- cles A; and is.: formedv with; bifurcated or forked portions, 34 at one: end: (Fig. 3) having aligned openings: therein whiChi receiye bushings 3,6. embracing theI lower portion of the pivotbolt 28,. and: a.v snap, ring 38; isengagedin a suitableannular groove, (fnot shownt) at the bottom of the pivot. bOlt to prevent:removal-.ofA thev supportv arm 32; from the latter., A substantially 'll-shaped; article steadying member- 4Q, has`r the free end; 40a of its. stem portion formed with a through-bore for mountingi on. the pivot bolt 2 8 betweemthe bifurcatedportions 3.4*` of the swingable support: armi32; (Fig-i4 3). The; head;v portion of the T-shaped member-40.#forms another article; guide, spaced from the guide-14 andfslidably, engageablefwith the side4 of the article remote` from they guide14 so, that the sllC- cessive articles aredefinitely laterally positioned: asV they move` past the marking device between the,v guide; Mrand: the guidinghead portion-of the-membent; Angular adjustment of the arm 20 relative to therpost 16.' asindicated by the arrow 20a (Eig. 2)', for example; between the full line position and the broken-1- line` position' indicated at 20', serves to vary the lateral distance between the guide 14 and the guidinghead portionof the T-shaped member 40 andl thereby adapt the device,V 10ffor the-markingl of articlesl having different widths or lateral dimensions, as do the articles A and A shownin full and broken lines, respectively, on Fig. 2.

The end of the swingable support arm 32 remotefrom pivot bolt 28 is formed with a boss 42 (Fig. 3'); which has a bolt 44 tapped therein and extending upwardly to provide an` axle or shaft for rotatablycarrying a marking unit which is generally identified by the reference numeral 46.

The marking unit 46 includes a frame 48, having a bored boss 50 at one end rotatably mounted on the axle 44, and a suitable anti-friction washer 52, is preferably interposed between the bosses 42 and 50to permit free rotation of the frame 48jabout the axle44. The marking unit 46 :is intended tov rotate as a, whole about the axle 44 in the counter-clockwise direction 'as-viewed'in Figs. 1, 2, 4 andS andindieated by 'thearrow.54aon'Fig.' 2. A marking wheel'56 is.y rotatably mounted `ontop of' the` frame 48; forrotation about a vertical vaxis which is spaced from the-axis of. thebolt or axle 44 and. is ar ra,ngt=. dtoA c arrymarking elements, such as, type, on. the periphery thereof;V The frame l8r is formed'so thatf approximatelyI the,v onehalf; of the periphery of ttheimarking wheel 5,6'facing in the direction opposeditorotation. of the frameis within thegvperipheral outline `ofv therlatter; (Fig. 7) asviewed ini plan: Thus, any article approaching, themarking unit;from ,the.side of;v the latterrfacing) in the direction opposed'tothe rotation of the-marking) unit about the axle 44 will first engage the curved peripheral edge 58 of the frame 48 and be kept out of engagement with the marking elements on the wheel 56 by such engagement.

A bearing member 60, in the form of an inverted cup, is secured on the boss S of the frame 48 and extends radially beyond the boss 42 of the swingable support arm 32 to be frictionally engaged and rotated by the successive articles moving past the marking device in the manner hereinafter described in detail. a coil spring 62 is tensione'd between the head portion of T-shaped member and the swingable arm 32 to constantly urge the latter to swing toward the path of travel of the articles to be marked and thereby dispose the bearing member 60 in a position to be frictionally engaged at its periphery, which is preferably roughened, by the successive articles. Preferably, provision is made for varying the force exerted by the spring 62 on the swingable arm 32; for example, as shown in the drawings, one end of the spring 62 is anchored at 64 to the member 40 while the other end of the spring is secured to a screw 66 extending through the arm 32 and having an adjusting knob 68 threaded thereon and bearing against the arm 32. Screwing the knob 68 more or less on the screw 66 will vary the tension in the spring 62 to provide the desired frictional contact pressure between the bearing member 60 and the successive articles.

In the event that inked impressions are to be applied to the side and trailing end surfaces of the successive rectangular articles, the marking unit 46 also includes an inking assembly, generally identified by the reference numeral 70, which is carried by the frame 48 and shown in detail in Figs. 6 and 12 of the drawings. The inking assembly 70 includes an arm 72 pivoted adjacent one end on an axle 74 extending upwardly from a support block 76 on the frame 48. A torsion spring 78 is disposed around the axle 74 and is connected at its opposite ends to an abutment S0, secured on the axle, and to the arm 72 to urge the latter in the direction moving its free end toward the periphery of the adjacent marking wheel 56. Such movement of the arm 72 is limited by an adjustable stop screw 82 (Fig. 2) extending through a lug 84 on the support block 76 and engageable with an extension 86 on the arm 72.

A bolt 88 extends downwardly from the arm 72 adjacent the free end of the latter and provides an axle rotatably supporting an inking roll, generally identied by the reference numeral 90, below the arm 72. The inking roll 90 includes a core 92 of metal rotatable on the axle 88 and formed with an upwardly opening annular chamber 94 for receiving ink from a suitable source in the manner hereinafter described in detail. A porous, for example, felt, layer 95 extends around the core 92 to absorb ink passing from the chamber 94 through suitable radial passages 97 (Fig. 6), which are preferably disposed approximately onethird of the height of the inking roll from the top of the latter, and to transfer the absorbed ink to the marking elements on the periphery of the wheel 56 with which it is in rolling contact.

In order to supply ink to the chamber 94 within the inking roll 90, a stepped vertical bore 98 is formed in the arm 72 in vertical alignment with the chamber 94. The supply of ink is held in a container or reservoir 100, of which at least a portion is formed of transparent material to permit observation of the level of the ink therein, and the reservoir opens downwardly into a tubular neck 102 secured thereto. The reservoir 100 is removably installed on the arm 72 merely by inserting the tubular neck 102 into the relatively large diameter upper portion of the stepped bore 98. flow of ink through the neck 102 and the bore 98 into the chamber 94, a valve rod 104 is lonitudinally slidable within the tubular neck 102 and projects downwardly from the latter to ride upon a cam plate 106 secured in `the bottom of the annular chamber 94, Thus, as the ink- As seen in Fig. 2, 1:'

In order to control the ing roll is rotated, the cam plate 106 causes vertical reciprocation of the rod 104. The rod 104 is of generally cylindrical configuration and fits closely within the internal bore of the tubular neck 02, with a flattened portion E08 being formed on one side of the rod 104 extending from the lower end of the latter to a point which is disposed within the neck 102, when the rod 104 is in a lowered position, and which moves above the top of the tubular neck, when the rod is elevated by the cam action. Thus, as the rod 104 is vertically reciprocated, the passage defined between the flattened portion 138 of the rod and the internal surface of the neck 102 is intermittently placed into communication with the reservoir to permit the flow therethrough of a metered quantity of ink.

When the operation of the marking device is halted for an au reciable length of time, the reservoir 08 can be emoved from the arm 72 and the rod'14 is gravitatlonally lowered to prevent any leakage of ink from the reservoir. in order to maintain the rod 104 in assembly with the reservoir, an enlarged head is preferably formed upon the upper end of the rod and seats upon the upper end of the neck 102 when the reservoir is removed from the arm 72, to eifect a seal.

ln order that the operation of the marking device 10 may be fully understood, reference is made to Figs. l, 2, 4 and 5 which show the device in several successive phases of an operating cycle. At the conclusion of a marking cycle (Fig. 1),'the marked side surface of the marked article A1 moves out of frictional engagement with the bearing member 60 secured to the marking unit frame 4S so that counter-clockwise rotation of the latter, as viewed in the drawings, is halted with the frame 48 extending substantially across the path of travel of the conveyed articles moving in the direction of the arrows 12. When the article A2 which is next in line moves to the position indicated in broken lines at A2', the ifront end of the article A2 engages the curved peripheral edge S8 of the marking unit frame and pushes against the latter to recommence the rotation of the marking unit frame about the axle 44.

Continued movement of the article to be marked, in the direction of the arrows 12, brings the side surface of the article facing toward the stabilizing member 40 into frictional engagement with the periphery of the bearing member 60 (Fig. 2), and thereafter further movement of the article causes the member 60, and with it the marking unit frame, to be rotated in the direction of the arrow 54. Such rotation of the marking unit frame 48 will bring the marking wheel 56 to a position (Fig. 4) adjacent the side surface of the article to be marked. It is apparent that the frame 48 will have been rotated to the position of Fig. 4 after a given length of the side surface of the article, starting at the front end of the latter, has moved past the bearing member 60 in frictional engagement with the latter. Thus, in the absence of any mechanisms for delaying the initial contact of the marking Wheel 56 with the side surface of the article, such initial contact would always occur at a predetermined distance from the front end of the article and without regard to differences in the length of the articles being marked. However, in marking a side surface and the trailing end surface of a rectangular article, it is desirable to have the marking on the side surface located at a uniform distance from the corner defined by the marked side and end surfaces without regard to the length of the side surface. In the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1 to 7, mechanism is provided to delay the initial contact of the marking wheel 56 with the side surface of the article until a point on that surface which is disposed a predetermined distance from the trailing end of the articles comes into position opposite the marking wheel. Such contact delaying mechanism includes an arm 112 (Figs. 1 and 3) integral with the swingable arm 342 and extending at an obtuse angle relative to the latter. At its -free end, the arm 112 has a bolt 1.14 forming a pivotal support for a stop member 116.

g The stop member 116 includes. a. curved' nosel 1'18`for contact with the side surface of the article to be marked Ii'gs. 1-` and 4).,v and an abutment 1'20 is mounted' on the member 116 and extends into the path of travel of a cooperating abutment 1'22 extending from the marking unitframe 48; the path of the abutment 122 being defined bythe rotation of the marking unit 4frame around the axle 44. Further, the member 116 is formed and' dimensioned sq that, when the nose 118 is in engagement with the side surface of' the article and the markingunit frame has heenrotated to bring the abutment 122 into engagement with the. abutment 120. (Fig. 4), the member 116 will operate to. maintain the marking, wheelV 5,6. in spaced relationship to the side surface of the article and; there is slipping at the point of frictional engagement of the side surface with the bearing member 60; However, when the article has moved to a position in which the nose 118 rides olf the side surface of the article, as in Fig. 5, the tendency of the marking unit frame to be rotated by the frictional' engagement between the article andmember 60 causes, the stop member 116 to be rocked in theV direction of the arrow 12S' (Fig. 5) and to permit the marking. wheel 56. to effect rolling, and marking Contact with the adjacent sidesurface of thev article. Since the initial contact of the markingwheel with the article is determined by the movement of the member 116 off the trailing end of the article,l it is apparent that the marking applied? to, the side surface alwayswill( commence` ata constantdistance from the trailing end, even though the length of the article may be varied.

While the embodiment of the, invention illustrated.' in; Figs. 1' to 7' includes the above described mechanism for delaying the initial Contact ofthe marking wheel with.the side surface of the article,`i't is tobe understood that other meansY may be providedl to perform that function.. For example in accordancewith another embodiment ofthe. invention. illustratedy in Fig. 8, the stop, member. 1-16 isv eliminated and its function isV assumed by. a. finger 12.4` extending from the marking unit frame 48a. The-finger 124 is sufficiently long so that a line passing through` the end of the finger 124` and.tangent, to theperiphery of the. bearing member 60a. is spaced from the periphery of the marking wheel56a, and' theV endl of the, finger 124 isspacedr from a radius of tliewheel 56a normali tothe above mentioned' tangent, line by a distance substantially equal to the desired distance between the commencement of themarking of the side. surfaceA of the, article and the rear end of the, latter.` Thus,` assuming that. the embodiment o f Fig, 8f is. the same as that previously described in. con-.- nectionwithFigs, l to 7;,Wi'th the exceptions noted. above, thefrifctionalengagement ofthearticl'efA withthe bear-ingE member V601e willlcauserotationof theframe. of the marking unit 41621 until the finger 1v2'4lv contacts theside surface. ofthe article.L During contact. ot?. the finger 124. with` the side surface of'theA article, the markingwheel. 56a is. spaced' from. lthefsid'e surface'to be: marked and' when: the finger 12,4. moves' olf' the., trailing. end of. that side. surface, theframe 43a is further; displaced to bringl the. markingwhel' into initial. rolling and, marking'` contactaY with the side. surface of article, at a predetermined location relative to the trailing end of the, article..

Whether the` delaying arrangement of Figs., 1. to. T or qfjEigvS is employed, after the marking 'wheel 56 effects` inital; contact, with the, sidesurface of the. article, the continued rectilinear movement of the article frictionally. causes` the marking wheelv toV roll. alongl theside surface andlto, mark the latter. During such marking; of the side surfce the, article continues in frictional, but slipping, engagementwith the bearing member lthereby creating-2 a. turning momentl on the markingunit frame 48 which presses;the marking' wheel against the side surface of the article.

When, the movement of; the; article being; markedi has: progressed to the pointf` where the marking; wheel 5.6i

samer turning action of the frame 48 about the axle 44, caused.

by the, previously mentionedfrictional engagement of the article withthe bearing member 60, urges the marking.

wheel to roll around that corner and to then press forwardly' and' mark they trailing endZ surface of the article. As4 the` articleV continues its movement, the trailing end or cornerof the marked' side surface progressively apgrcachestheV bearing member 60 andthe marking wheel rolls` and marks laterally'. acrossV the trailing end surface starting fromY the abovel mentioned corner.

When the trailing end of the marked article reaches a point where. the side surface, is disengaged from the bearing member 60 (Fig. 1)',- the frictional force, causing rotaiionsof the marking unit frame 48 about theaxler 4'4', is no longer present and the marking unit frame re mains in theposition' of Fig, l while the trailing end surface of the marked article moves away from. the marking wheel. The marking unit frame is then positioned for the start of the, next marking cycle. However, in order to ensure that the marking wheel 56 will' be properly positioned, inthe rotational sense, for initial contact with the. side surface of the article next in line at a location on the periphery of the marking wheel corresponding to theA beginning of, the mark or legend to be applied, a return mechanism is preferably associated with the marking; wheel to rotationally return the. latter to a desired position after its release from thetrailing end surface of the marked article.

In' accordance with the present invention, an improved' returnmechanism is associated; with the marking wheel, andthis return mechanism is shown in detail in Figs. 3 and'7. As seen inthe drawings, the marking wheel 56 is preferably fixed' on a supporting shaft 126 which. is. ro-

tatabl'y mountedin the marking unit frame 48 and' extends below the. latter. On its lower end,` the shaft 1'26' has a lever or' finger 128' secured' thereto, by a pin 130, or thelike, so that; the finger 128' willrotate with. the shaft 126 and the wheel' 56. A tension spring 1'32 has one end, pivotally connected to. an end' of the finger 128; and the opposite: end" of the spring sadjustably connected toy a lug 134, forming a part of the marking unit frame, by a suitable anchoring screw extending through that lug. The opposite. end of'the finger 128'. is formed as a curvedn'ose'. 136 operative to. cam over vthe inclined edge 138 of a pivot'ed rigid latch member 14'0. The latch member 1'40" is angularly urged, by a torsion spring 142, into the position of Fig, 7 in which it engages a stop pin 14.4. depending5 from the marking unit frame and is interposed in the circular path of ltravel ofthe nose 136.

Thus, if at the Itime the marked trailing end surface of a marked article moves out of`engagementl with the markingwheel S6 the latter is in any position relative to the, marking unit frame other than that shown in` Fig. 7, in which position a straight line extends through the axis, of rotation of the finger 128 and the connectionsV at the. opposite ends of the spring 132 to the finger 128 andl the lug 134`, the spring 132 will, thenoperate to rotate the finger and' marking wheel into the above described. po sition. During such. rotation and thenormal rotation of.- the marking wheel', the nose 136 of the finger 128f will merely cam or glide. over the edge, 138 of the resiliently. pivotedl'alchmember. However, the latchmember 146. is formed' and disposed so that, when the finger` is in its proper position. (Fig. 7),. the nose 136'V engages against a substantiallyy radialr edge 146 of. the latch member to preyentreverse rotation of.- the finger 128 and marking` wheel` beyond` that proper position and thereby' to; avoid hunting ofr the: markingl wheel during its return', rotar` tion:

Whilel theembodiments of thel present invention. dc-

scribed;` in; connection with Figs.4 1 to 7 and; Fig. 8 each. have the rotation ofthemarking unit frame 48 or 48a.

about the axle 44 or 44a, respectively, effected by frictional engagement of the article being marked with the periphery of the bearing member 60 or 60a on the frame, it is to be understood that such rotation can be effected positively and by suitably synchronized connection to the conveyor carrying the successive articles along a rectilinear path past the marking device.

Referring in detail to Figs. 9, and ll of the drawings, an arrangement is there shown, by way of example, for effecting rotation of the marking unit frame by direct driving connection to the conveyor for the articles. In Fig. 9, a conveyor table 148 is shown having the guide rail 14b extending along one side thereof, and the table 148, over which the articles are advanced, is formed with a longitudinal, central slot 150 through which pusher elements 152, spaced apart on a continuous conveyor chain 154, project upwardly to engage and push the trailing ends of the successive articles to be marked. The chain 154 rims around a sprocket 156 which is fixed on a horizontal drive shaft 158, and the latter is driven from a suitable source of power (not shown). In employing the rotation of the drive shaft 158 for the purpose of effecting rotation of the marking unit frame, an idler shaft 160 is rotatably mounted adjacent the shaft 158 and meshing spur gears 162 and 164 are xed on the shafts 158 and 160 to drive the latter in the direction opposite to the rotation of the drive shaft 158. A bevel gear 166 and sprocket 168 fixed relative -to each other, are rotatably mounted on a downward extension of an axle or pivot bolt 28h corresponding to the axle 28. of the previously described embodiments and on which the arm 32b is swingably mounted. An idler shaft 170 is rotatably mounted adjacent the axle 28]? and at right angles to the latter, and a bevel gear 172 fixed on the shaft 170 meshes with the bevel gear 166. The shaft 170 is driven from the idler shaft 160 by sprockets 174 and 3.76 respectively mounted thereon and a continuous chain 17S running around these sprockets. In order to transmit the rotation of the sprocket 168, which is coaxial with axle 28h, to the marking unit frame 48b of the marking unit 46h, the axle 44b, which rotatably supports the marking unit frame and corresponds to the previously described axle 44, is fixed relative to the boss 50b of the frame 48b and extends rotatably through and below the boss 42b of the swingable arm 32b. At its lower end, the axle 44h is coupled, by a suitable friction clutch 180 of any conventional design, to a coaxial stub shaft 182 having a sprocket 184 secured lthereto, and a continuous chain 186 forms a driving connection between the sprockets 168 and 184. Merely by way of example, the friction clutch 180 may include clutch discs 188 and 190 non-rotatably secured on the axle 4411 and the stub shaft 182, respectively, with the disc 18S being urged axially by a spring 192 into frictional contact with the disc 190.

The above described transmission between the drive shaft 158 of the conveyor assembly and the marking unit 46b tends to continuously rotate the latter about the axle 44h in the counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. ll and indicated by the arrow 194, and the frictional clutch 180 provides slip in the transmission during the rolling and marking contact of the wheel 56h with the side surface and then the trailing end surface of each arti cle on the conveyor. lt is to be understood that the marking device of Figs. 9, 10 and 11 is substantially the sameas the embodiments previously described herein with the exception of those modifications necessary for adaptation to the positive drive.

At the conclusion of a marking cycle, shown in solid lines on Fig. l1, the marking of the trailing end surface of the article has been completed. However, since the frame 48h is positively rotated, the marking wheel 56b will tend to follow and remain in contact with the marked trailing end surface and to roll back over the marking to blur or smear the latter. In order to avoid such blurring or smearing, the periphery of the frame 48h is preferably extended beyond the wheel 56b, as at 196, to engage the trailing end surface of the marked article and prevent contact of the marking wheel 56b with Vthe latter after the marking of that surface has been completed.

Further, since the marking unit frame 48h is rotated by connection through the described transmission to the conveyor drive, there is the possibility that the frame will have been rotated suiiiciently to position the marking wheel 56b for initial contact with the sidesurface of an article, for example, to the position shown in broken lines on Fig. 1l and identied by the numeral 48h', before the article nextin line has arrived at the marking station. This possibility may arise when the spacing between the successive articles on the conveyor is excessive. In order to stop the rotation of the marking unit frame at the position 48h until an article has arrived at a position to be marked, the embodiment of Figs. 9, 10 and l1 includes a latch member 198 pivoted intermediate its ends on a pin 200 carried by the article stabilizing member 40b. A spring 202 is connected to the latch member 198 and rocks the latter to a position, shown in full lines on Fig. 11, in which one end projects into the path of travel of the articles on the conveyor and the other end extends into the path of travel of an abutment 204 projecting from the marking unit frame 48h. Thus, if the marking unit frame arrives at the broken-line position 48h before an article is positioned for marking, the latch member 198 engages the abutment 204 on the frame and halts rotation of the latter while the clutch slips to prevent damage to the drive transmission. As the article moves into position to be marked, the article rocks the latch member 198 out of the path of travel of the articles and such rocking frees the latch member from the abutment 204 to permit a resumption of the rotation of the frame 481) for carrying the marking wheel 56h into initial rolling and marking contact with the side surface of the article. The marking wheel then rolls along the side surface and across the trailing end surface of the conveyed article to complete the marking of theV latter.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that a marking device constructed in accordance with the present invention operates to mark a side surface and the trailing end surface of each of a succession of articles carried by a conveyor along a straight path, with the marking device being actuated either by the articles or by the conveyor for the articles and in synchronism with the movement of the articles.

While several embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the drawings and described in detail herein, merely by way of example, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications may be effected in the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for marking a side surface and the trailing end surface of successive articles moving continuously in spaced apart relationship along a straight path; said device comprising a marking Wheel having marking means on the periphery thereof for rolling and marking contact with a side surface and the trailing end surface of each article in succession, frame means having said marking wheel rotatably mounted thereon, support means at one side of the straight path of travel of the article rotatably carrying said frame means for repeated rotation of the latter in one direction through 360 degrees about an axis which is parallel to and spaced from the axis of rotation of said marking wheel on the frame means so that the marking wheel moves bodily along a circular path extending into and out of the path of the articles, and actuating means operative to urge said frame means to 11 rotate only in saidjone directionmoving saidmarking wheel bodily inthe direction oft-movement of; the articlesfrom in front of arr article to bemarkedintcrinitial'f rolling and marking contact with theside surface off the articlefacing toward', said" support` means and then to continue to urge said marking wheel against the moving article at least until saidmarking wheel has rolled along thatside surface and:` acrossA the trailingA end surface of the article to complete the markingV of said surfaces.

2. A device according to claim l; wherein said act-uating meansV includes a bearing member txed relative to said frame means and having a cylindricalperipheralsurfaceconcentric with' said axis of-rotationofthefra-me meansY and disposed for frictionalengagement bythe side surfaceoi the moving article tobe marked;

3.. A device according to claim 1;. wherein the periphery of said framemeansextends beyond at-leastthe half of the periphery ofsaid: marking wheel` facingin the direction opposed to the direction of rotation of'- said frame means so that-the periphery of saidf marking wheel ing means includes a bearing xed relative to saidframe means andhavinga cylindrical peripheral surface concentric with said axis ofl rotationof the frame means, saidv cylindrical surface beingv disposed for frictional' engagcmentby the: side surface of the movingv article to be markedfacing toward said supporting means so that, as an article moves past saidsupporting means, the front end surface of the article pushes against the peripheral portion ofsaidframe means extending beyond s aidmarkingwheel to initiate the rotation of said frame means and then the side surface of the article frietionallyengages said cylindrical surface of the bearing member to continue the rotational urging of the trame means.

5. A device according to claim 4;v including article actuated means operative to interrupt the rotation of said` frame means in said one direction prior to the initial contact of said marking wheel with the side surface to be'- markedand then torelease said frame means for fur.- ther rotation in said one direction when the article to be markedr has-reached a predetermined longitudinal position .l

relative tosaid support means.

6. A device according to claim 5; wherein said article actuated means operative to halt the rotation of the frame means includes a tirs-t abutment memberl extending from said frame means, a rockable stop memberV having a nose portion which, in one rocked position extends into the path of travel of the successive articles, and' a second abutment member on saidv stop member pro.- jecting into the path of travelof' said first abutment member and engageable by' the latter when said stop member is rocked by an article out of the path of travel of the articles to thereby halt the rotation of said frame means, said second abutment member being movable out of the path of said first abutment member to permit said further rotation ofthe frame means when the article clears said nose portion and' said stop member is free to be rocked to said one position thereof.

7. A device according to claim 1;, including article actuated means operative to interrupt the rotation of said frame means in said one direction prior to the initial contact of said marking wheel with the side surface of the article to be marked and then to release said frame means for fur-ther rotation in said one direction when the article to be marked has reached a predetermined longitudinal position along its path of travel- Y 8. A device according: to claim 7; whereinsaid article actuated means operative to halt therrotation of -the frame means includesy a rst abutment member extending from saidframe means, a rockable stop memberV havinga nose portion which, in one rocked position extends into the' path oftravell of the successive articles, and a secondabutment member on said stop memberL projecting into the path of travel of saidrst abutment member and-engagable by thelatter when said-stop member isrocked by anarticleout of the pat-h oftravell of the articles to thereby halt the rot-ation of saidframemeans, said second abutment member beingmovable out of the path of said first abutment member to permit said further rotation of the frame means when the article clears said nose portion and saidy stop member is freeto be rocked to said one position thereof.

9; A device according' to claim- 7; wherein said articleactuated means operative to halt the rotation ofthe framel means includes arigid extension projecting from said frame means and having its-free end located' furtherfrom said axis of rotation of the frame means thans aid marking wheel, saidfreeend ofthe rigid extension alsoprojecting beyond the periphery of said markingwheel in the direction of rotation ofsaid frame means so thatL when the free endv of` said' extensionengages the side surface of an article, the rotation of' said frame means is halted saidmarking wheelI out of` engagement with theside surface of the articleand further rotation ofthe frame means to bringv said` marking wheel into rollingandA marking contact withthe side surface is possible only afterthe trailingend of the rigidy extension.

110. A4 device according toclaim l;- wherein saidactuating means includes rotational driving means operating in synchronsrn with the movement of the articles along the straigh-t path of travel, and transmission means connecting sa-iddriving means to said rotatable frame means andhaving slipping clutch means interposed therein to permit the rotation of said frame meansv to. behalted while said rotational drive means continues Ito operate.

ll. A device according to claim l0; further comprising articles actuated means operative to halt the rotation of said frame means in a position in which saidl marking wheel is removed from the straight path/off 12.- A device according-to claim ll; whereinsaid article.

actuated means operative to halt the rotation of the frame meansl includes an abutment extending from said frame means, a latch member pivotally mounted' SQ that oneV endthereof is swingable into and out ofthe path of' travel of the articles, saidl latch member being disposed so that the other end` thereof projects into the path of travelof said abutment and is engagable by the latter when said one end of the latch member is positionedA in the path of travel of the articles to thereby halt the rotation of said frame means and so that, when an. article pushes said one end of the latch member out, of the path of travel of the articles, said, other end of the latch member-frees saidV abutment to permit further ro-tation of said frame means.

13. A device according to claim l0;` wherein at least a portion of the periphery of said frame means pro.-

jects beyond the periphery of said marking wheel at the radiallyoutward` portion of the latter facing n .the di'- rection of rotation of saidframe means, said peripheral portion of the frame means extending to a plane passing through the axis of rotation of' said frame means tangent to said marking wheel so that, after marking of the trailing end surface of an article is completed and the rotation of saidframe mean follows the marked article, said peripheral4 portion of the frame means acts to space said marking wheelfrom the marked trailing endsurface tto prevent blurring Vof the applied marking.

14. A device according to claim l; wherein said support meansincludes a xed vertical postdiposed' adjacent the path of travel of the articles at the side of the latter to be marked, an adjustable arm extending radially from said post and adjustable angularly and vertically on the latter, pivot means mounted on the free end of said adjustable arm, a swingaule arm mounted at one end on said pivot means and extending generally in the direction of movement of the articles, means -yieldably urging said swingable arm to a position in which the other end of the swingable arm is closely adjacent the path of travel of the articles, and means on said other end of the swingable arm rctaoly carrying said frame means.

15. A device according to claim 14; further comprising means for guiding the successive articles during marl-:ing of the latter, said guiding means including a guide rail disposed along the path of travel or the articles at the side of the latter opposite to said support means, and an article stabilizing member mounted on said pivot means at the free end of the adjustable arm and formed 14' with a peripheral surface facing toward said guide rail and spaced from the latter to dene a space therebetween through which the articles are advanced for marking, angular adjustment of said adjustable arm being effective to vary the lateral dis-tance across said space for accommodating articles of diierent widths.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNlTED STATES PATENTS 

